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Delayed growth
Definition:
Delayed growth involves poor or abnormally slow gain in weight, height, or both, in a child younger than 5 years old. Alternative Names:
Growth - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Weight gain - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development
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Considerations:
Delayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many conditions, most of which can be corrected if the problem is recognized and the remedy is timely. Failure to thrive may be accompanied by withdrawn personality and slow mental, physical, and emotional development. Genetic diseases and chronic illness are less common causes of failure to thrive in the U.S. Social and educational causes for failure to thrive are more common. Often, problems with infants can be prevented or modified with parental education. Expectant parents should arrange for parenting classes. Also, a child should be taken in to see the health care provider on a regular basis for well-baby checkups. See the following for more information: Common Causes:
The term failure to thrive means only that an infant or young child is not growing and developing as expected. Failure to thrive is often divided into 2 main categories: psychosocial and organic.
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